Neck and Back Pain

Neck Pain

Our neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Incredibly, the cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which on average is about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movements, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.

Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:

• Sports injuries
• Auto accidents
• Poor posture
• Extended sitting
• Growing older
• Text neck
• Spinal misalignments (subluxation)

A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine and to restore range of motion.  It can also increase movement of the adjoining muscles. Patients typically notice an improved ability to turn and tilt the head, and a reduction of pain, soreness, and stiffness.

Back Pain

The lumbar spine, or low back, is a remarkably well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility.  However, this complex structure also leaves the low back susceptible to injury and pain.  The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility for everyday motions such as bending and twisting.  Muscles in the low back are responsible for flexing and rotating the hips while walking, as well as supporting the spinal column.  Nerves in the low back supply sensation and power to the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet.  Most acute low back pain results from injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, and/or discs.

**Studies indicate that 90% of all Americans will suffer from low back pain at some point in their life. 

Common causes of low back pain include:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Picking up kids
• Sitting at work
• Commuting
• Poor posture
• Sport injuries including lifting weights
• Falls
• Poor sleeping habits
• Spinal misalignments (subluxation)

Chiropractors use adjustments to precisely apply a directed force to the vertebrae that is misaligned.  Gradually, these adjustments help restore normal range of motion, position and function of the joint. Seeing a chiropractor for back pain is a highly effective way of managing lower back and spinal pain.

Western Loudoun Chiropractic specializes in Pediatrics and Pregnancy techniques